Murali's son debuts in Anandam Aarambam

Producer Ramanathan and Pyramid Saimira, who are producing a film in which Atharva (evergreen actor Murali's son) makes his debut have named it aptly Anandam Aarambam (AA), which means the fun begins.

Yes! It is indeed Anandam Aarambam for Atharva, who starts his film career as a hero just like his father did years ago. The tall and handsome actor had to change his name from Vijay to Atharva as the industry already has a Vijay.

He is a first year engineering student (electronics and communication). Murali, a protective father, zeroed in on the script of AA after scrutinizing numerous scripts that came his son's way; ever since Atharva attained age 16, he has been deluged with film offers. Atharva is not the only highlight of AA.

Shruthi, also making her debut in films, perfectly complements Atharva and augments the film's appeal. This young and beautiful girl, who epitomizes the girl-next-door image, has a pleasant smile and mischievous eyes. Together, these youth form the backbone of this film and make it lively.

AA is directed by debutante director Vishnu Shankaran, who has also written its story. Cinematography is by Dinesh Kumar. Music is by Sundar C. Babu and lyrics are by Yugabharathi and Kavi Varman.

AA will be launched on October 9th at Kamarajar Hall. The function will be presided over by Sathyabama Engineering College chairman Mr. Jeppiar; producer council president Mr. Ramanarayanan; actor and Nadigar Sangam president Sarathkumar; actor and Nadigarm Sangam secretary Radha Ravi and many more VIPs of Kollywood. PS: Murali plays hero in Enga Rasi Nalla Rasi, whose audio was released recently and will do dual roles (as father and son) in Maru Avatharam! Murali is evergreen!

Courtesy:galatta.com ....

Rajinikanth's fans start political party

In an attempt to spur Rajinikanth to enter politics, his fans have started a political party - Desiya Dravida Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (DDMMK). But it cannot be construed as Rajinikanth's political move; it is a decision taken by his fans, not by him. This act seems to be the culmination of a week of tension amidst his fans following the star's call for a meeting with fan clubs, tentatively on October 12th.

This announcement has given rise to many speculations about the meet's agenda: ranging from brainstorming to boost his star power to launching a political party; coming in the wake of Chiranjeevi's political party launch, Rajni's call for a meeting has made many think he too might announce a political party. At present, the star is busy with Robot's first tranche of filming. His meeting with his fan clubs, when he reveals his ideas, should put an end to speculations.

Courtesy:galatta.com ....

Meghna Naidu: No item numbers for me

Meghna Naidu has been refusing all the offers of dancing in item numbers. Meghna explains, "I am refusing all these item numbers as I want to establish myself as an actress, not as an item song expert. I am a glamorous actress and not an item girl. I can earn millions by doing item numbers but that is not what I want to do. I want to be counted among the best actors in the film industry." This sensuous-eyed actress considers comic roles as the toughest and would like to try her hand at comedy. She also added that she would like to do more challenging roles. Meghna Naidu riveted everyone's attention when she danced beautifully to the tune of 'Kaliyon Ka Chaman'.

Her last film in Tamil was Vaitheeshwaran opposite Sarathkumar and she did an item number in Panthayam, which stars Nithin Sathya and Sindhu Tolaani. Well, this glamorous actress has a valid point. Rather than wasting her time in silly roles or item numbers, she could very well be cast in roles embodying boldness and beauty, just like Rahasiya's role of a journalist in the yet-to-be-released Indra Vizha. She could even be cast in comic roles as she desires and there is no doubt she will sizzle in them. Bollywood's Celina Jaitley, who has done quite a lot of comedy roles, is an example and there are slight similarities between them too!

Courtesy:galatta.com ....

Vikram-Ash to film in Kerala

Now that Vikram has completed his part in Susi Ganesan's Kanthasamy and Aishwarya Rai is on the verge of completing the first schedule of Robot (probably by October 8th) Mani Ratnam has decided to start shooting his bilingual film. The news is that he will start with the Tamil version first and will film scenes pertaining to Vikram and Aishwarya in dense forests of Salakkudi, Kerala; filming begins on October 10th.

Mani Ratnam is making this film in Hindi and Tamil. The Tamil version features Vikram in the lead role and pairs him up with Aishwarya Rai; Prithviraj plays the villain. After a long time, actor Karthik will work with Mani Ratnam, who made him a household name with Mouna Ragam and Agni Natchathiram. The Hindi version features Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai in the lead.

Vikram makes his Bollywood debut in this version; he will reprise the role done by Prithviraj in Tamil. Meanwhile, Aishwarya Rai is extremely happy for finally being able to act with Rajinikanth, who, according to her, is a family friend. Aishwarya Rai, while giving an interview in Gurgaon while inaugurating a boutique, said that she is enjoying acting with Rajinikanth. She said that it was a learning experience to work with stalwarts like Rajinikanth and director Shankar.

She also added that she has heard her father-in-law (Amitabh Bachchan) praising Rajinikanth's humility, but when she witnessed it in person, she could not believe her eyes. She also added that she considers Rajinikanth a "wonder man", who has managed to be so simple despite being the most popular film star.

Courtesy:galatta.com ....

Tamil film 'Jagan Mohini' Stills

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Exhibitors, distributors to boycott 'Kuselan' producers

CHENNAI: Tamil superstar Rajnikant may have promised Rs.100 million compensation to distributors of his box office flop "Kuselan", but exhibitors and distributors Friday announced a non-cooperation movement against the film's producers and the actor.

Small exhibitors and distributors across the state are angry with producer Pushpa Kandaswamy for blaming main distributor Pyramid Saimira for the losses, industry sources said.

"Exhibitors Pyramid Saimira's bosses saw the film a week before release, hiked its costs by publicity hype and hiked the ticket prices, going against the sane advice of Rajnikanth, and are responsible for the losses. Further, no film can be written off within 20 days of its release," Kandaswamy, daughter of director K. Balachander, said Thursday.

S. Palaniappan, head of a distributors' organisation, earlier this week complained that the distributors were taken for a ride by the producers, who claimed it was a full length Rajnikanth film, though he featured only for a little over 20 minutes.

The stir by distributors is likely to hit Kandaswamy's production house Kavithalaya. Its forthcoming releases, which include the Arjun-starrer "Thiruvannamalai" and "Krishna Leelai" are banking on the smaller distributors and exhibitors, who have now threatened to boycott the films.

Meanwhile, industry sources said that Rajnikant has asked producer Panchu Arunachalam to make a quick film and market it at a discount to help distributors. ....

'US is the real hero of movie Meiporul'

IT'S touted as the first Tamil film to be shot entirely in the US and the excitement doesn’t end there. 'Meiporul' is special to the Tamil film fraternity for sentimental reasons too.

It’s the debut film of NRI civil engineer turned film producer and director Natty Kumar, son of producer TN Janakiraman of MR Arts Fame. The audio launch of the film was marked by the presence of several producers who lauded the efforts of the youngster.

As dad Janakiraman put it, “Since Natty became an engineer and settled in the US, I never imagined that one day I would be introducing him as a producer and director, carrying on my film lineage. It’s a very satisfying moment for me”

Dreams on Frames’ 'Meiporul' is a family suspense thriller, produced by Natty Kumar and Krishna Bala and has several American technicians. The background score is by John Masey while the camera has been handled by Chris Elridge. Lenin edits while Rahul debuts as the music director with this film.

Speaking on the occasion, S Ve Sekar remarked, “It's very courageous of Natty to make a film like this, spending in dollars, without even knowing the outcome of it. The film looks slick and America seems to be the real hero in it.” So what made Natty take up this film? “My dad gave me an Indian education while my wife made me go back to school in the US!” quipped Natty.

“Thanks to her encouragement, I did a film technology course in the US and the movie is the outcome of my interest in filmmaking.” The film’s co-producer, Krishna Bala was an IT geek in Napster before the film bug bit him too.

With more and more people from various backgrounds making Tamil films, looks like there are good times ahead for the film industry. ....